Althea Gibson

Born:
August 25, 1927
Died:
September 28, 2003
Place of Birth:
Silver, South Carolina
United States
Citizenship:
United States
Induction Category:
Player
Year of Induction:
1971
Highest Ranking
World Singles Ranking: 1

Tall and sinewy, determined and athletic, Althea Gibson turned the 1950s into a showcase for her talent and temerity. Breaking the color barrier in 1950 at Forest Hills by gaining entry to the U.S. Championships, Gibson played with peak efficiency from 1956-58. In that span, she collected five major singles titles, sweeping Wimbledon and the U.S. Nationals back-to-back in the latter two seasons. A confident, aggressive player who exploited her penchant for finishing points emphatically with the volley, Gibson briefly played pro tennis before a campaign in professional golf.

Grand Slam Record

Australian Championship

  • Doubles Champion 1957

French Open

  • Singles Champion 1956
  • Doubles Champion 1956

Wimbledon

  • Singles Champion 1957-58
  • Doubles Champion 1956-58

US National Championship

  • Singles Champion 1957-58
  • Mixed Doubles Champion 1957

Career Achievements

  • Wightman Cup Team Member 1957-58

	



								
								
								

				
			

			
			

			
			

			
				
								



		


  
  







		


  
  







		


  
  







		  
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